Dick Drago

About

Former professional baseball player who played as a relief pitcher for Major League Baseball teams like the Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox, and the Seattle Mariners. A right-handed thrower and batter, he was widely considered to be the best pitcher on the Kansas City Royals roster during its 1971 season, when he earned a 17-11 win-loss record with a 2.98 earned run average during that season.

Before Fame

He graduated from Woodward High School in his home town of Toledo, OH in the year 1963. He began his amateur career playing for the Detroit Tigers. He made his senior debut in 1969, after having been drafted by the Royals the previous year.

Trivia

He famously pitched the final home run ball in Hank Aaron's once record-breaking career total of 755 in 1976.

Family Life

He passed away on November 2, 2023, at the age of 78. He was survived by his children Darren, Dina, and Justin, as well as his grandchildren including Taylor and Haley.

Associated With

He was a finalist for the 1971 AL Cy Young Award, along with Vida Blue, Mickey Lolich, Wilbur Wood, and Dave McNally.